'None of us wants to close borders': Friedrich Merz vows to tackle migration after German election win

Germany's leading conservative party, headed by Friedrich Merz, secured victory in the national election, strengthening Ukraine's position within the EU's largest nation whilst raising prospects for economic recovery after years of difficulties.
The campaign was largely driven by concerns over prolonged economic stagnation and large-scale migration, with Merz maintaining his firm stance on Monday.
"None of us wants to close the borders," said Merz, who is expected to become the country’s next leader, during his first post-election news conference.
"But we need to protect our borders better. We must regain control over those who come into our country," he added.

Merz expressed commitment to sustaining positive US relations, despite apparent declining American interest in European affairs under the Trump administration.
"If those who really do not just make 'America First,' but almost 'America Alone' their motto prevail, then it will be difficult," he said.
"But I remain hopeful that we will succeed in maintaining the transatlantic relationship, he continued.
He cautioned that deterioration of this relationship would "be to the detriment of Europe, it will also be to the detriment of America."
In the 630-seat Bundestag, Merz's conservatives secured 208 seats, AfD obtained 152, whilst SDP declined to 120 and Greens to 85. The Free Democrats failed to achieve the required 5% threshold for representation.
The Left party secured 64 seats, whilst the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance fell short of the 5% requirement.
The election occurred seven months ahead of schedule following the dissolution of Scholz's coalition in November, ending a three-year term marked by internal conflicts.